I know what freedom is

((Independent RP blog for Steve Rogers, tracking #shieldthesoldier. NSFW will be under a cut.))

[shieldthesoldier]

The Life in Your Years: thebenefitsofdestruction ((Closed))

[shieldthesoldier]

There were at least eight pieces of silverware in front of him, and Steve surreptitiously glanced over at Tony’s setting to see which one he used before he gingerly selected a gorgeously engraved fork as well.

“Well, sure I am. We’re here together.” Brow furrowing slightly he peered dubiously at what he recognized to be a platter of raw oysters, and then over at the delicate dish of odd black spherical things before helping himself to what seemed like a fairly safe platter of some sort of pasta salad.

“And it’s really nice here, though I have to say, it’s just so… much. Like such a production, you know? I counted five waiters here earlier, Tony. Is that normal?” Looking back over at the other man, Steve leaned a little closer, the corner of his mouth quirking as his voice dropped conspiratorially.

“And I really have no idea what at least half this stuff is. I’m afraid if it’s weird I’ll offend someone if I can’t manage to keep it down. I don’t uh… suppose you could point out the least likely suspects to scare me off?”

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

Tony grins as he listens to Steve go on, picking up an oyster and tipping his head back to let it slide down his throat.  Setting the shell on an empty plate, he licks his lips and reaches under the table to pat the anxious soldier’s knee.  

“Welcome to my world, Steve.” Tony shrugs, picking up the small knife from the caviar dish to spread it on a delicate cracker.  He turns just slightly in his seat and holds it up in front of Steve’s lips, eyebrows arching.  ”Trust me.  You’re going to love it.  If you don’t then…we’ll get drive-thru on the way home.”

He keeps his hand there, waiting patiently for Steve to at least try a bite.  ”I realize this is all completely alien to you.  And considering we’ve fought actual aliens, that’s saying something.  Believe me when I tell you that this would all be overwhelming for anyone not as rich as I am, so…live a little, let me spoil you rotten and ravish you later, alright?”

Pulling his hand back, he takes a bite of half of the cracker before bringing it back to hover in front of Steve’s lips, chewing and smiling.  Waiting for the wide-eyed blonde to finish the delicacy.

[shieldthesoldier]

And that, of course, inspired a flush that Steve knew had to be visible even in the dimmed, intimate lighting of the restaurant, but he nodded anyway, unable to resist smiling again as he forced his gaze away from the blatantly sensual spectacle of Tony's lips.

Focusing instead on the cracker the other man had presented with an expectant expression, Steve closed his eyes and summoned up his admittedly unexplored store of culinary bravery as he took it into his mouth, his own lips unintentionally brushing Tony's fingertips, prompting him to look through his lashes at his companion as he slowly drew away.

Belatedly, he remembered to chew, and Steve blinked as the unfamiliar taste seemed to spread across his palate in individual little flares of complex flavor. It was salty, rich, but not excessively so, and his expression was thoughtful as he swallowed and finally spoke.

"It's not bad," he decided as he reached for the unnecessarily ornate glass of water that had been left for him. "What was that, anyway?" He glanced down at the dish again, his expression a little wary. "And why do I have the feeling that most of this stuff is going to end up being things I wouldn't have even ever considered eating?"

[shieldthesoldier]

The Life in Your Years: thebenefitsofdestruction ((Closed))

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

Tony nodded, offering his best Stark smile to any patrons and employees who glanced their way and lingered with ‘is that who I think that is?’ stares.  His hand went to the small of Steve’s back as they were lead to a secluded stairway and up to a private dining room.  The lighting was subdued and the half-circle shaped booth was large, but intimate.  

He unbuttoned his jacket and slid into the seat on one side, sliding around and meeting Steve in the middle.  They had barely managed a flirtatious glance before the head chef appeared, flagged by two waiters and trays of food.  

“Good evening, Mr. Stark, Mr. Rogers,” the silver-haired man greeted warmly.  ”We’ve prepared some delightful dishes tonight.  My staff will take excellent care of you.”  He bowed his head, broad smile on his face as he stepped back and retreated to the kitchen.  

Dishes of caviar, oysters, salmon and other gorgeously plated seafoods and salads were set before them.  Another server appeared with a bottle of white wine, offering the label for inspection and waiting for Tony’s approval before filling their flutes.  Once the flurry subsided and the waiters wandered off, Tony picked up his glass and took a sip, glancing at Steve from the corner of his eye.

“So,” he said, setting the wine down and tilting his chin up with an easy smile on his lips.  ”Having fun so far?”

[shieldthesoldier]

There were at least eight pieces of silverware in front of him, and Steve surreptitiously glanced over at Tony's setting to see which one he used before he gingerly selected a gorgeously engraved fork as well.

"Well, sure I am. We're here together." Brow furrowing slightly he peered dubiously at what he recognized to be a platter of raw oysters, and then over at the delicate dish of odd black spherical things before helping himself to what seemed like a fairly safe platter of some sort of pasta salad.

"And it's really nice here, though I have to say, it's just so... much. Like such a production, you know? I counted five waiters here earlier, Tony. Is that normal?" Looking back over at the other man, Steve leaned a little closer, the corner of his mouth quirking as his voice dropped conspiratorially.

"And I really have no idea what at least half this stuff is. I'm afraid if it's weird I'll offend someone if I can't manage to keep it down. I don't uh... suppose you could point out the least likely suspects to scare me off?"

[star-spangled-union-jack-blog]

Open RP (Modern Day AU) || Cold Nights

[shieldthesoldier]

“Of course not,” his smile softened and he squeezed her fingers gently. “Though I imagine we’re going to have to have something to tell the team… and SHIELD, as well.” Expression sobering, Steve started walking again, tucking her hand into the bend of his arm and drawing her along as he looked down at her, his expression openly curious.

“I’m not sure where to start… you look liked you just stepped out of one of the Howling Commando’s group shots. It’s December of the year 2012, now. Do you know how long you’ve been here? What do you remember?”

[star-spangled-union-jack-blog]

She took a moment to absorb that thought. It seemed impossible, purely impossible. But, she was walking with Steve again. Which was impossible on its own.  Peggy thought for a moment. “Howard told me we won the war… I blinked… And here I was.” She finally answered, hoping that was something to go off. Although it really wasn’t. What use would that do? Nothing.  

[shieldthesoldier]

"Hmm." Expression thoughtful, Steve patted her hand comfortingly. "No transition at all? Well, it doesn't matter really, I suppose. You're here now. Though we'd probably better have the Doc check you out, at least." He smiled warmly. "We are sorta flying in there dark here, after all."

It had occurred to him that he could call for a car from the Tower, but as soon as they got back, a storm of activity was sure to descend on them. And as selfish as it might be, Steve wanted this little bit of time with her alone, though he wasn't sure any amount of time would be enough to convince himself that she was really here, and not some fevered figment of his imagination.

"How are you feeling?" Steve asked suddenly, concern lacing his voice at the reminder that she might need medical attention.

[star-spangled-union-jack-blog]

Open RP (Modern Day AU) || Cold Nights

[star-spangled-union-jack-blog]

“Well, if I had an answer I would give you one.” Peggy said quietly, taking slow, careful steps towards him, reaching her hand out towards him. Making sure he was real, that Steve was really there, and that this wasn’t all some figment of her imagination. 

“I thought this was a dream as well” Peggy admitted, lacing her fingers with his. She could feel him, she could hear him, she could see him. That means he exists doesn’t it? It means he was really there before her, even against all odds? 

[shieldthesoldier]

Looking down, Steve watched their hands entwine, felt the warmth of her skin against his own, and he shook his head in amazement, a smile that he couldn’t have hoped to restrain slowly curving his lips.

“I don’t understand it, but… God, Peggy. I’m just so glad to see you. Even if I do wake up tomorrow and you’re gone,” Steve trailed off, his earnest gaze searching her face. “I’m so sorry. And I want you to know, I’d have given anything to be able to see you again, back then. Leaving you behind was the last thing I wanted.”

[star-spangled-union-jack-blog]

Peggy nodded slowly, not taking her eyes off of him for even a moment. “I know, Steve. It’s the last thing I ever expected to happen to you of all people.” She admitted quietly. “Dammit, Steve… I can’t believe this. I don’t understand this. But I am never going to complain about it.” 

[shieldthesoldier]

"Of course not," his smile softened and he squeezed her fingers gently. "Though I imagine we're going to have to have something to tell the team... and SHIELD, as well." Expression sobering, Steve started walking again, tucking her hand into the bend of his arm and drawing her along as he looked down at her, his expression openly curious.

"I'm not sure where to start... you look liked you just stepped out of one of the Howling Commando's group shots. It's December of the year 2012, now. Do you know how long you've been here? What do you remember?"

[star-spangled-union-jack-blog]

Open RP (Modern Day AU) || Cold Nights

[shieldthesoldier]

The men he’d been following scattered as he spoke, and Steve paused on the sidewalk, his brow still furrowed as the lady approached, her strangely familiar voice drifting back to him.

When she stepped out into the circle of radiance spilling from the streetlight above and spoke his name, Steve honestly thought at first that he was seeing things. That he was seeing a ghost, because the vision of the person that stood before him just couldn’t be.

“Peggy?” her name escaped him anyway as he stepped closer, his tone as incredulous as his expression, wide blue eyes taking in the familiar uniform he’d committed to his memory, the graceful fall of her dark hair across her shoulders, the matching expression of startlement that he knew he wore as well. “I must be dreaming… how— how can you be here?”

[star-spangled-union-jack-blog]

“Well, if I had an answer I would give you one.” Peggy said quietly, taking slow, careful steps towards him, reaching her hand out towards him. Making sure he was real, that Steve was really there, and that this wasn’t all some figment of her imagination.  “I thought this was a dream as well” Peggy admitted, lacing her fingers with his. She could feel him, she could hear him, she could see him. That means he exists doesn’t it? It means he was really there before her, even against all odds? 

[shieldthesoldier]

Looking down, Steve watched their hands entwine, felt the warmth of her skin against his own, and he shook his head in amazement, a smile that he couldn't have hoped to restrain slowly curving his lips.

"I don't understand it, but... God, Peggy. I'm just so glad to see you. Even if I do wake up tomorrow and you're gone," Steve trailed off, his earnest gaze searching her face. "I'm so sorry. And I want you to know, I'd have given anything to be able to see you again, back then. Leaving you behind was the last thing I wanted."

[star-spangled-union-jack-blog]

Open RP (Modern Day AU) || Cold Nights

[shieldthesoldier]

Night had fallen while Steve stayed and chatted with the young artists at the small rundown art gallery on Brooklyn’s east side, just his presence, even out of uniform, helping attendance for the show they’d finally managed to open with the help of a mysterious donor.

Or maybe not so mysterious, from the way the gallery’s coordinator was whispering and gesturing his way. Praise had always made him a little uncomfortable, in any context, really… but it was getting late, anyway, and it was probably best to take his leave.

Making his farewells, he promised to return as he stepped out into the crisp December evening, his hands in the pockets of his brown leather blazer as he slowly began to amble back towards the Tower,

It was a long walk, but Steve appreciated the time on his own to think, just to take in the city and the changes the years had rendered, overlapping them above the images in his memories, blending them like a charcoal sketch, softening them somehow until they weren’t so very hard to bear.

He had been walking for a good half hour when he noticed a trio of men up ahead, moving in the furtive sort of way within the shadows cast by the surrounding buildings that set off his internal alarms, compelling him to walk faster, though he wasn’t sure what exactly set him off.

When he came to the edge of the block and saw the lone slender figure they appeared to be advancing on, Steve’s brow furrowed, his instincts proven, unfortunately, as accurate as always.

“Excuse me,” Steve projected across the street, his tone full of the authority and confidence he always made use of when on duty, “can I escort you somewhere, ma’am? You look lost.”

[star-spangled-union-jack-blog]

After walking down roads for what felt like much longer than it really was, and narrowly escaping a strange group of men who seemed far to eager to grab her, Peggy noticed someone calling to her.  She looked over towards the source of the voice, was it really safe to go over to whoever that was? But then again, his voice was familiar. Staying quiet she blinked over at the man, before nodding. “Well, yes, I suppose I am lost…” She answered, chewing on the inside of her cheek before making her way across the street quickly. That was when she noticed who she was speaking to. Steve Rogers. Her mind went blank while she looked at him, her vision fogging around the edges. He was all she could see. And all she wanted to see. Steve was alive and well in this strange orientation of New York.  “Steve… Steve Rogers…” Peggy breathed out, that being all she could mange. She couldn’t believe it. It didn’t seem possible, it wasn’t possible a small voice in her mind called out, to which she argued that it isn’t possible for her to be there. But here she was, and so was he.   

[shieldthesoldier]

The men he'd been following scattered as he spoke, and Steve paused on the sidewalk, his brow still furrowed as the lady approached, her strangely familiar voice drifting back to him.

When she stepped out into the circle of radiance spilling from the streetlight above and spoke his name, Steve honestly thought at first that he was seeing things. That he was seeing a ghost, because the vision of the person that stood before him just couldn't be.

"Peggy?" her name escaped him anyway as he stepped closer, his tone as incredulous as his expression, wide blue eyes taking in the familiar uniform he'd committed to his memory, the graceful fall of her dark hair across her shoulders, the matching expression of startlement that he knew he wore as well. "I must be dreaming... how-- how can you be here?"

[star-spangled-union-jack-blog]

Open RP (Modern Day AU) || Cold Nights

Peggy Carter walked down the streets of New York, or what she thought to be New York. The young British lady had no clue where she was exactly. Her only clue to wherever she was being New York was the faint outline of the Statue of Liberty she saw in the distance of the setting sun.  She wasn’t home, she knew that and she was clearly not going home anytime soon. It was getting late, and she had nowhere to stay. This was not going to end well for her.  She kept wandering the streets late into the night, until the moon light and the streetlights were the only thing that kept her visible. Peggy clearly grew nervous as the people on the roads dwindled and the more shady kind came out of their homes, and now eyed her with creepy looks. But she kept walking on.  

[shieldthesoldier]

Night had fallen while Steve stayed and chatted with the young artists at the small rundown art gallery on Brooklyn's east side, just his presence, even out of uniform, helping attendance for the show they'd finally managed to open with the help of a mysterious donor.

Or maybe not so mysterious, from the way the gallery's coordinator was whispering and gesturing his way. Praise had always made him a little uncomfortable, in any context, really... but it was getting late, anyway, and it was probably best to take his leave.

Making his farewells, he promised to return as he stepped out into the crisp December evening, his hands in the pockets of his brown leather blazer as he slowly began to amble back towards the Tower,

It was a long walk, but Steve appreciated the time on his own to think, just to take in the city and the changes the years had rendered, overlapping them above the images in his memories, blending them like a charcoal sketch, softening them somehow until they weren't so very hard to bear.

He had been walking for a good half hour when he noticed a trio of men up ahead, moving in the furtive sort of way within the shadows cast by the surrounding buildings that set off his internal alarms, compelling him to walk faster, though he wasn't sure what exactly set him off.

When he came to the edge of the block and saw the lone slender figure they appeared to be advancing on, Steve's brow furrowed, his instincts proven, unfortunately, as accurate as always.

"Excuse me," Steve projected across the street, his tone full of the authority and confidence he always made use of when on duty, "can I escort you somewhere, ma'am? You look lost."

[shieldthesoldier]

The Life in Your Years: thebenefitsofdestruction ((Closed))

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

“Don’t start with that talk,” Tony tutted, lifting the flute and pointing his index finger at Steve.  ”I know you can’t get drunk.  It’s all part of the experience.  Savor it.  And don’t worry about how much I spend.  I sure don’t.  I pay people to worry about it for me.”

Ever since they’d gotten together, it had become Tony’s goal in life to give Steve new experiences.  Of course, most things were new to the soldier, having missed out on decades of advancements.  But he really wanted the man to live life, not just read about everything he’d missed.

He didn’t like to think about the rough patches he’d hit with Steve before they’d gotten together.  Right off the bat on the Quinjet when Tony had flat out called him old and it had only gone down hill from there.  Nor did he like to dwell on the night he’d nearly drowned himself in every available bottle of alcohol he had.  The only part he did think about was Steve swooping in and rescuing him from himself. 

It was that moment that led them here, in a limo, sipping champagne and wearing outlandishly priced suits.  Really, all those bad moments led to all of these fantastic ones, and he couldn’t argue with progress.

Ever the standard of decorum, Happy patched himself through the speakers instead of simply lowering the divider.  ”Hey, boss, we’ve arrived.  Just let me know when you’re ready to depart.”

Snickering, Tony reached across Steve to flip a switch on the door and lowered it down himself, tilting his glass in Happy’s direction.  ”We’re good to go, Hap.  Nothing scarring to your delicate sensibilities going on back here.”

Taking one last sip, Tony plucked the flute from Steve’s fingers and set them in nearby cup holders before adjusting the knot of his tie.  Lifting himself up off the seat, he pressed a small kiss to Steve’s lips just as Happy was opening their door.  ”Our private dinner awaits.”

[shieldthesoldier]

Unable to do anything but smile again at the other man's gentle (and expected) admonishment, Steve sighed as he slid across the seat and followed Tony out of the limo.

The facing before them glowed a soft, burnished gold, the windows veiled by some strangely intricate blinds that allowed only teasing backlit silhouettes of what lay within. It was beautiful, if more than a little intimidating, and Steve paused as he stepped up onto the curb beside Tony, abortively reaching for the other man's hand before realizing that the revolving door before them would likely be a little difficult to navigate linked together.

As much as he would have liked strolling in there, his guy on his arm, claimed in plain sight.

They entered into a small foyer amidst the muted clinking of silverware and soft, jazzy piano music, and were almost immediately met by an elegantly suited older man, his black hair silvering at the temples. Pale, alert eyes flicked between them briefly as he paused by Tony's side with a surprisingly warm smile.

"Mr. Stark, Mr. Rogers... right this way, gentlemen. We have the Salon upstairs prepared for your arrival."

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

Back from my mission. Did you miss me?

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

“Yes, my knees are all weak and I’m a touch dizzy.”  He puts a hand to his own cheek, eyes flicking up toward the ceiling.  ”I’m flushed and palpitating…”  Dark eyes dropping back down to Steve’s face, his lips curl up on one side.  ”I think you’d better take me to bed before you have to carry me there.”

[shieldthesoldier]

“Maybe I want to carry you there,” Steve murmured with a slow, sweet smile, one hand sliding down Tony’s back as if in preparation to sweep him off his feet, “you never do let me.”

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

“Steve, I have a reputation to maintain. I can’t let you carry me like a damsel in distress.  What would JARVIS think?”  Tony smirked, pressing himself a bit closer as he glanced at Steve’s arm.  ”Though you are much, much stronger than I am.  Not much I could do to stop you.”

[shieldthesoldier]

"That might be a convincing argument if I didn't know for a fact that he's seen so much worse." Laughing again, Steve bent and swung Tony up from the floor, cradling him against his chest with no visible effort. "And since I make it a policy never to ignore an invitation from you, you don't have to insinuate at me twice."

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

Back from my mission. Did you miss me?

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

“Steve, you are a patriot and a saint.” Tony said as he leaned into the kiss, his hands coming to rest on the other man’s hips.  ”Don’t suppose you were ever trained as a field medic during your tour of duty?  I think I may need a doctor.”

[shieldthesoldier]

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard a more shameless appeal for unnecessary CPR in my life, Tony.” Steve said as he kissed him again anyway, the stern tone ruined by his fond expression. “But actually I have been trained. Why? Are your knees feeling a little unsteady?”

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

“Yes, my knees are all weak and I’m a touch dizzy.”  He puts a hand to his own cheek, eyes flicking up toward the ceiling.  ”I’m flushed and palpitating…”  Dark eyes dropping back down to Steve’s face, his lips curl up on one side.  ”I think you’d better take me to bed before you have to carry me there.”

[shieldthesoldier]

"Maybe I want to carry you there," Steve murmured with a slow, sweet smile, one hand sliding down Tony's back as if in preparation to sweep him off his feet, "you never do let me."

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

Back from my mission. Did you miss me?

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

“I like a man who follows orders,” Tony smiled, pulling Steve down by his collar for a kiss. “I do feel a headache coming on though.  Maybe a few more kisses like that will cure what ails me.”

[shieldthesoldier]

Finally breaking after pretending to consider for a few moments, Steve laughed as he drew Tony into his arms and pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth.

“Hmm, well. In that case, I suppose I could spare a few more, if you think it might help. As a card-carrying humanitarian it’s practically my duty.”

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

“Steve, you are a patriot and a saint.” Tony said as he leaned into the kiss, his hands coming to rest on the other man’s hips.  ”Don’t suppose you were ever trained as a field medic during your tour of duty?  I think I may need a doctor.”

[shieldthesoldier]

"I don't think I've ever heard a more shameless appeal for unnecessary CPR in my life, Tony." Steve said as he kissed him again anyway, the stern tone ruined by his fond expression. "But actually I have been trained. Why? Are your knees feeling a little unsteady?"

[shieldthesoldier]

The Life in Your Years: thebenefitsofdestruction ((Closed))

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

Tony’s free hand was up and cradling Steve’s jaw as they kissed and when he pulled away, his thumb was brushing against the soldier’s fair cheek.  Giving a half-smile, eyes twinkling, Tony cleared his throat and sat back.  

“Just wanted to start off on the right foot,” He said, lowering his hand to Steve’s tie to straighten it before dropping it into his lap.  What he wouldn’t give to just take Steve by that tie and have his way with him.  Forget about dinner and the rest of his plans and ravish the man.  But…things just weren’t like that with Steve.  Tony didn’t want their relationship to be that way.  Frankly he didn’t know if that surprised him more than scared him, or the other way around.

Suddenly he snapped his fingers and pulled completely away from Steve, moving to kneel in front of an empty seat.  Tony pulled open a hidden compartment below it and took out a bottle of chilling champagne and two glasses that Happy had placed there for him.  ”Hidden limo fridge.” Tony smirked as he sat back down.  ”I think of everything.”

Pulling open the nickel-plated stopper, he handed the glasses to Steve and poured some for both of them before re-stopping it and returning the bottle the fridge.

“So,” Tony smiled, taking one of the glasses from Steve and gently clinking them together.  ”Here’s to a magnificent evening.”

[shieldthesoldier]

It wasn't even fair what the man did to him, Steve thought a little bemusedly as Tony drew away, leaving him a few seconds to compose himself as their drinks were poured. Smiling a little wistfully in return, he looked down at the glass after the playful toast, rolling the delicate stem between his fingertips.

Like the life he'd found himself part of, it seemed too fragile, too refined for him to even be touching, and Steve felt that sense of disconnect again for a moment that he'd mostly managed to shed over the months he'd stayed at the Tower. How had he even ended up here? From the scrawny kid who'd played in the streets and had so little, to a man that lived in a literal palace and had a guy like this sitting beside him, taking him out on the town.

This certainly wasn't anything like how he'd expected to end up, where he'd expected to be, but Steve couldn't feel anything other than almost indescribably lucky as he shook off those old ghosts and raised his eyes back to meet Tony's, as he obediently raised the glass to his lips and blinked at the bubbles that assailed his nose.

"I'm with you. How could it go any other way?" Steve made a face as he glanced down into his glass. "Though, you know this stuff is wasted on me," the corner of his mouth quirked, "and I'm honestly afraid to wonder how much it cost."

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

Back from my mission. Did you miss me?

[shieldthesoldier]

“I refuse to comment on any possible head injuries you may or may not have sustained in the interests of domestic harmony, but yes, sir. Captain Rogers reporting as ordered.”

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

“I like a man who follows orders,” Tony smiled, pulling Steve down by his collar for a kiss. “I do feel a headache coming on though.  Maybe a few more kisses like that will cure what ails me.”

[shieldthesoldier]

Finally breaking after pretending to consider for a few moments, Steve laughed as he drew Tony into his arms and pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth.

"Hmm, well. In that case, I suppose I could spare a few more, if you think it might help. As a card-carrying humanitarian it's practically my duty."

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

Back from my mission. Did you miss me?

[shieldthesoldier]

“Bang the dents? Really, Tony? I was actually thinking more along the lines of a welcome home kiss.”

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

“I must have hit my head out there.  No other way to explain why I haven’t kissed you yet.  Front and center, soldier.”

[shieldthesoldier]

"I refuse to comment on any possible head injuries you may or may not have sustained in the interests of domestic harmony, but yes, sir. Captain Rogers reporting as ordered."

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

Back from my mission. Did you miss me?

[shieldthesoldier]

“Is this a trick question?”

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

“Of course not.  I love to hear how adored I am.”

[shieldthesoldier]

“Oh, I know. Somehow I just find it cute. Not exactly sure how that happened. But yes, I missed you, as you’re well aware. Did you bring me anything?”

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

“Did I bring you anything?   Unless you want to bang the dents out of the suit, all I brought you was my glorious self.”

[shieldthesoldier]

"Bang the dents? Really, Tony? I was actually thinking more along the lines of a welcome home kiss."

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

Back from my mission. Did you miss me?

[shieldthesoldier]

“Is this a trick question?”

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

“Of course not.  I love to hear how adored I am.”

[shieldthesoldier]

"Oh, I know. Somehow I just find it cute. Not exactly sure how that happened. But yes, I missed you, as you're well aware. Did you bring me anything?"

[thebenefitsofdestruction]

Back from my mission. Did you miss me?

[shieldthesoldier]

"Is this a trick question?"